Miss Ohio proud to represent Strasburg, Massillon area

Madison Gesiotto, a former Strasburg resident whose father has dental practices in Strasburg and Mount Eaton, was crowned Miss Ohio USA last weekend at Portsmouth, on the campus of Shawnee State University. “I was absolutely shocked and excited,” Gesiotto said. “I am so excited to start the year. I am lookin...

Madison Gesiotto, a former Strasburg resident whose father has dental practices in Strasburg and Mount Eaton, was crowned Miss Ohio USA last weekend at Portsmouth, on the campus of Shawnee State University.

Gesiotto, the daughter of Dr. James and Sherri Gesiotto of Massillon, now will move on to compete in the 2014 Miss USA Pageant, a preliminary to the Miss Universe competition.

"I was absolutely shocked and excited," Gesiotto said. "I am so excited to start the year. I am looking forward to a fabulous reign and I cannot wait to represent the amazing state of Ohio at Miss USA."

Before her family moved to Jackson Township in 1998, Gesiotto attended preschool classes at Strasburg. She is a graduate of Jackson High School in Stark County and is a senior at Ohio State University, where she will graduate next spring with a degree in political science.

After graduation, she plans to attend law school. Her interests are corporate or sports law.

"Additionally, I plan to use my year as Miss Ohio USA to help jump-start a political awareness program throughout elementary, middle, and high schools across the state," Gesiotto said.

Gesiotto said her favorite part of the Miss Ohio USA competition was the on-stage questions to the five finalists.

"You have no idea what your question might be," said Gesiotto. "Many are political. With me being a political science major, that is of interest to me."

Gesiotto said her question pertained to the roll-out of Obamacare and its effect on young Americans.

"As a young American, this is frustrating," said Gesiotto. "We have a broken health care system, but it isn't turning out as hoped. There is no excuse for the website not be functioning like it should."

To prepare for Miss USA, Gesiotto said she will practice walking, eat healthier and work out. "I also will practice spot questions," she said.

Gesiotto competed with 80 contestants. This was her second attempt at capturing the Miss Ohio USA title. She finished as third runner-up in the 2013 pageant. The contestants competed in three categories — swimsuit, evening gown and interview.

Gesiotto said her mother and sister encouraged her to compete in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Enshrinement Festival Queen's Contest at age 18. She was selected to be on the court and escorted Dick LeBeau, an enshrinee who had played for the Detroit Lions.

In 2010, she also competed in the Miss Teen Ohio pageant and made the top 15.

"I really enjoy pageants," said Gesiotto. "They create more confidence and help my speaking ability. I get to meet other young women and learn of their experiences."